The Hazlitt Theatre Cinderella Press Launch

The Hazlitt Theatre officially launched their 2024 pantomime, Cinderella, with their Press Launch on Tuesday, 17 September. Generously hosted by Maidstone Museum, the Hazlitt Theatre welcomed select pupils from the Student Learning Council of West Borough Primary School, local press and The Worshipful Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr John Perry, to meet the official cast of Cinderella.  The students were all nominated by their classmates as to why they would best represent their class and we can definitely see why as they all had brilliant questions from what there the Sisters favourite make up? To, do any of them speak Spanish?

 The Worshipful Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr John Perry also said a few words, highlighting the importance of The Hazlitt Theatre as part of the local community. Also in attendance were friends of the Hazlitt from Maidstone Borough Council, Global, The KM Group, See Kent, Things for Kids in Kent and One Maidstone. The Hazlitt Theatre showcased their wealth of talent and community arts engagement, alongside the pantomime cast with an opening performance from the Hazlitt Institute Strictly Accessible Group. 

 The Hazlitt Theatre’s General Manager Martin Cleverly said: 

 “This is the 10th anniversary of the Hazlitt producing its own pantomime. What we have realised is that having your own pantomime production involves pretty much every member of staff the venue employs in some way shape or form! We can’t wait to introduce you all to the cast of Cinderella this year.” 

 The specially invited guests were then exclusively introduced to the Hazlitt Theatre’s final professional cast of Cinderella: 

 Hayley Johnston is Cinderella 

Alexandre Blin is Prince Charming

David Zachary is Buttons

Stuart Ash is Dandini

Christopher Chandler is Baron Hardup 

Joe Meloy is Bella 

Adam Borzone is Donna

Sarah Rose Denton is The Fairy Godmother

 Two of whom were part of previous incarnations of Cinderella, with Christopher Chandler maturing from a Prince back in 2012 to our Baron Hardup, and Adam Borzone reprising his Stepsister role from 2017, so we know our Maidstone audiences will be in very good hands.  The full cast is rounded up by 4 professional dancers returning Mason Plews and Kelley Martin with new dancers Kye Ansell and Lily Prodger.  They will be joined by 60 community cast members who were picked from over 300 local talented young people aged from 16 - 17.

 The Hazlitt Theatre is proud to once again be partnering with their annual pantomime sponsors, Fred’s Wines and The Village Hotels who generously provided refreshments. 

Also sponsoring this year’s panto are fellow returning sponsors The Fairy’s Tale, Wagamama Maidstone and Venture Photography Maidstone.  With the latter hosting and taking photos of our final cast members that same morning, as well as events photography during the event! 

 After being announced as the annual pantomime nominated charity, representatives from Slide Away also attended the Press Launch. The charity helps bereaved young people get back on their feet after losing a friend or relative, and will be proudly supported by The Hazlitt Theatre’s pantomime this year with donations being accepted at every Cinderella performance. Making a Difference to Maidstone, who were one of the 8 nominated charities the Hazlitt Theatre summer tour fundraised, also kindly showcased some of their best ball gowns to add a final decoration, which are available to buy in their newly extended town-centre charity shop. 

 The Hazlitt Theatre are hugely grateful to the dedicated teams who captured the Press Launch including AVP, Onward Socials, Venture Photography Maidstone and Jayson Worsfold from Homebug Photography. 

 With over 10,000 tickets booked (that’s over 50% of tickets!), the countdown to panto season has truly begun!  

 Local Family Blogger, Debbie Walker from Things for Kids in Kent said:

 “I urge anyone who loves this festive time to go along to The Hazlitt Theatre, with or without the kids, because their pantos are bloody brilliant!... Year after year, they are getting better and better. Last year’s was magical and, actually, quite breathtaking… We can’t wait to come and see what this next wonderful panto has in store!” 

 See her full review of the day here.

 It is clear that the Christmas pantomime is much more than just an annual festive tradition, it is a culmination of celebrating what is magnificent about the borough, from the talent on stage, the local businesses who partner with the theatre, the arts provision for the community, to the incredible charities we fundraise for.  The Hazlitt Theatre is proud to be your local theatre and we look forward to welcoming audiences near and far, over another memorable panto season this year with Cinderella running from 30th November - 31st December.